Polignano a Mare: Pasta Making Cooking Class with Drink

Polignano a Mare: Pasta Making Cooking Class with Drink offers a charming glimpse into Southern Italy’s culinary heart. For about $56, you get a two-hour session in the historic center of this picture-perfect town, learning how to craft traditional orecchiette and cavatelli with a local chef, Annamaria. This experience is ideal for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a genuine taste of Puglia’s food culture, all wrapped up in a friendly, small-group setting.

What makes this class special? First, the hands-on opportunity to learn the secrets behind making authentic pasta shapes that are staples in Puglian kitchens. Second, the informal, convivial atmosphere—complete with local wines, taralli, and preserved vegetables—ensures you feel like a guest in someone’s welcoming home rather than just a tourist.

A small potential drawback? The activity does not include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to reach the meeting point in Via Porto 3 on your own. If you’re staying nearby, that’s no problem; if not, you might want to arrange transportation.

This tour suits travelers who value authentic local experiences, enjoy interactive cooking, and want a relaxed, friendly environment to learn about Puglian cuisine.

Key Points

• Authentic pasta techniques: Learn to make orecchiette and cavatelli from a local expert.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy vibe.
• Local flavors and drinks: Enjoy wine, taralli, and preserved vegetables as part of the experience.
• Cultural storytelling: Guides share stories about Puglia’s food and history, adding context and charm.
• Value for money: For just over $50, you get a culturally rich, hands-on culinary lesson with drinks and a meal.
• Convenient location: In the historic center of Polignano a Mare, perfect for exploring the town afterward.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Pasta Making Experience in Polignano a Mare

Location and Setting
You’ll meet Annamaria in a traditional house in Via Porto in Polignano a Mare’s historic center. The venue’s charm is part of the experience—an authentic, cozy environment that feels more like a friend’s kitchen than a commercial cooking school. The ambiance is warm, with sights and sounds that evoke everyday life in Puglia, adding to the authenticity.

What to Expect at the Start
The class begins with a friendly greeting, where Annamaria introduces herself and shares her passion for local cuisine. The small group size (no more than 8 participants) makes it easy to follow along and ask questions. We appreciated how she explained each step clearly, often sharing little stories about the origins of pasta shapes or local traditions.

Hands-On Pasta Making
You’ll get to roll out dough and shape two classic pasta types: orecchiette—the iconic “little ear” pasta—and cavatelli, another regional favorite. We loved the detailed guidance from Annamaria, who encouraged us to get creative but also showed us the traditional techniques. The process is tactile—flour, dough, and shaping—making it a truly interactive experience. Several reviews mention how “fun and informative” it was, with lots of laughs along the way, and how “Annamaria’s passion made it enjoyable.”

Taste and Pairings
While your pasta cooks, the group is treated to an apertivo featuring taralli—a crunchy, savory snack—and an assortment of preserved vegetables and seasonal greens. These bites perfectly complement the local wines, which are plentiful and of high quality. Many reviews highlight how the wine selection added to the conviviality, with one guest mentioning, “We drank red wine and nibbled on olives and focaccia, which added to the relaxed atmosphere.”

The Meal
After shaping and cooking your pasta, you’ll sit down together to enjoy your labors. The menu includes orecchiette with pesto, a classic Puglian dish, along with other local specialties like panzerotti—a type of fried savory pastry. The food is generous and authentic, clearly made with fresh ingredients and a lot of pride. One reviewer even called it “delicious,” emphasizing how enjoyable the experience was overall.

The Guides and Atmosphere
Multiple reviews praise Annamaria and other hosts as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate. She shares stories about Puglia’s food traditions and offers helpful tips, making the experience more than just a cooking lesson. The intimate setting fosters a feeling of community, where everyone is encouraged to participate and share stories.

Additional Considerations
While the class is a fantastic value, the lack of hotel pickup might be a small inconvenience for some. However, the meeting point is centrally located, making it easy if you’re staying nearby or using public transport. The duration of two hours is just right—enough time to be engaged without feeling rushed.

Who Will Love It?
This experience appeals most to foodies, culture seekers, and small-group travelers who want to connect with local traditions while learning a practical skill. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a memorable activity that combines food, wine, and storytelling.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $56, you gain more than a cooking class—you get a culture, complete with hands-on pasta making, local wines, and authentic snacks. The small group size ensures personal attention, making it easier to learn and ask questions. The experience’s flexibility, with options for transfers from nearby cities, adds to its value for travelers based in the region.

Many reviewers emphasize how informative and fun the experience is, with Annamaria’s guidance making complex pasta shapes accessible and enjoyable. The chance to eat your own creation and enjoy it with good company makes this a memorable, authentic highlight of any trip to Polignano a Mare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides explain each step clearly, and the focus is on learning and having fun, not perfection. Even novices left with a sense of achievement and a new skill.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, hotel pickup isn’t included. You need to meet at the specified location in Via Porto. However, the meeting point is central and accessible.

Are vegetarian or dietary restrictions accommodated?
While specific dietary accommodations aren’t explicitly mentioned, many reviews highlight the hosts’ friendliness and flexibility. It’s best to request any dietary needs in advance.

How long does the class last?
The activity runs for about 2 hours, which feels just right—engaging without being exhausting.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the instruction by a professional chef, kitchen utensils, drinks, and the meal featuring your homemade pasta and local specialties.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Making Cooking Class in Polignano a Mare is a delightful way to dive into Puglia’s culinary soul. It combines hands-on learning, local storytelling, and delicious food and wine in a setting that feels authentic and warm.

The small group size and friendly guides make it feel personal and engaging, while the focus on traditional techniques provides lasting value—you’ll leave equipped to recreate these dishes at home. It’s perfect for anyone who loves good food, wants an immersive cultural experience, or simply enjoys cooking in a relaxed, convivial environment.

If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and tasty activity in Polignano a Mare, this class offers a genuine taste of Puglia that you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: